Published: Thursday July 5, 2012 MYT 3:09:00 PM

Penang second bridge to spur state’s economic development

KUALA LUMPUR: The 23.6km Second Penang Bridge reflects the federal government's strong commitment to spur the state's economic growth although the “Pearl of the Orient” is now under opposition rule.

The federal government's earnestness in building the RM4.5bil bridge cannot be denied by any quarters, including the DAP, which is heading the state's administration and which had boastfully claimed that it was the one that had brought development and huge foreign investments to Penang.

Penang BN chairman Teng Chang Yeow said the building of the second bridge could further boost Penang's economic development and growth for the benefit of the people.

“By spurring economic growth, this bridge will help create a lot of job opportunities for the locals, besides boosting the housing industry.

“These are some of the benefits that can be enjoyed by investors and people of this state from this second bridge. Another benefit will be reduced traffic congestion,” he said when contacted.

Indeed the people of Penang including its over 800,000 registered voters should open their eyes and appreciate the initiatives of the BN government as they are the ones who will directly benefit from the second bridge project when completed in September 2013, and it will be another icon of pride for Penangites.

The construction of the second bridge commenced on Nov 8, 2008. It comprises 16.8 km of bridge structure above the sea and 6.8km on land, making Penang the only state with the longest bridge in Southeast Asia and which will be an additional tourist attraction for the state.

It is also the first bridge to use a unique technology known as the high damping rubber bearing (HDRB) seismic installation system to support the bridge structure against damage in the event of an earthquake.

The bridge, which connects Batu Kawan on the mainland to Batu Maung on the island, is 79.5% completed. It is built by UEM Builders Bhd and CHEC Pembinaan (M) Sdn Bhd.

The bridge, a project under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, will also provide easier access to the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas. -Bernama

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